Spiritual Warfare – Part 16

If you haven’t yet read Part one of this study, please click here.

THE SHOES OF READINESS (Ephesians 6:15)

Christians often refer to “the shoes of peace”, but if you read verse 15 carefully you’ll find that the shoes of peace produce the readiness, and that’s what we need to put on.

What sort of shoes do you imagine as shoes of readiness, and why?

• Wellington boots
• Slippers
• Hiking boots
• Beach sandals
• Football boots
• Trainers
• Flip flops
• Tennis shoes
• Dancing shoes
• Other??

Why do you suppose that knowing or experiencing the gospel of peace would produce readiness?

And readiness for what?

Read the following verses to see what the Bible says:

• Matthew 9:37-38
• Matthew 28:20
• Philippians 4:12-13

As you think of using your feet in the spiritual wars ahead, do you imagine using your feet to flee from Satan or to run into the battle ground?

• Read Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:14-15

Jesus had two apparently conflicting things to say about Peace. How can you bring together Matthew 10:34 and John 14:27?

We can only be ready to run with the Gospel of peace if we have experienced God’s peace in our own lives. Remember that peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.

Peace is mentioned more than 200 times in any version of the Bible. Note some verses which speak to you as you discover them.

THE SHEILD OF FAITH (Ephesians 6:16)

Note the first phrase in this verse. The shield of faith is to be taken up only after we have put on the other items. The shield should evidently not be carried alone. Could it be that we are not spiritually strong enough to carry the shield until we have understood, (at least in part) what it means to be clothed with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of readiness?

Is your faith big enough to make a shield? Or is it only as big as a grain of mustard seed? (Matthew 17:20) Does it matter?

If Jesus said to you what He said to the two blid men in Matthew 9:29, would you receive your healing or not?

OR …… Would Jesus have to say to you “You of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30 & 8:26)

Can you think of any occasions when Jesus commended people for their faith?

Read and learn Hebrews 11:1, and then read the rest of the chapter. It is known as “God’s Hall of Fame”! Is there any chance of getting your name in there do you think?

If you are reading through this study in a group, now might be a good time to share with the others any first hand stories you have of faith working.

Also ideas about how to help each other make your shield of faith grow.

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